Every year brings its own set of challenges for HR leaders, but 2025 feels different—and the pivotal moment HR and HR tech professionals find themselves in will be in the spotlight at next week’s HR Tech Conference, kicking off Sept. 16 in Las Vegas.

Why this is a critical moment for the HR tech space

We’re navigating a labor market that is constantly in flux; new workforce expectations around flexibility, pay equity and wellbeing; and a pace of technological innovation that is unlike anything I’ve seen in my 20-plus years in this field. The responsibilities placed on HR leaders today are broader than ever: You are expected to support business growth, champion culture, manage costs and lead through disruption—often simultaneously.

At the same time, the pressure to deliver measurable business results from HR programs has never been higher. HR must manage all of the organization’s people processes—and flawlessly—while connecting those processes to outcomes like productivity, profitability and employee engagement. That’s why this moment is so critical. And that’s also why the HR Tech conference is so timely. HR Tech is where HR leaders can cut through the noise and focus on the solutions and strategies that matter most.

The transformation of HR technology

Over the last five years, HR technology has undergone an incredible transformation. We’ve moved from cloud migration and digital-first systems to the explosion of artificial intelligence, and now to what many are heralding as the “agentic AI” era. Generative AI gave us the ability to create content and automate tasks at scale; agentic AI promises to take those capabilities even further, with systems that can plan, reason and act on our behalf. Almost every demo we saw this year as part of the Top HR Products process involved either generative or agentic AI. It is truly everywhere.

These aren’t just abstract technology concepts. They’re shaping how organizations recruit, onboard, train and support employees. They’re influencing payroll, benefits, workforce planning, recruiting and even leadership development. For HR leaders, the challenges are multiplying. HR has to understand the technology, evaluate what’s real versus hype, figure out how to approach these powerful tools in a way that makes sense for their unique circumstances, and determine how these new solutions can integrate into their business strategies.

The HR Tech conference has always been the best place to track these changes, and this year’s program reflects just how profound this next chapter of transformation will be.

The unmatched value of the HR Tech Expo

One of the things I’m most excited about every year at HR Tech is the unmatched Expo Hall. With more than 400 technology companies exhibiting, it’s the largest collection of HR technology providers you’ll find anywhere in the world. Plus, it is all the “right” ones: the leaders, the innovators, the start-ups and more. From established market leaders to fast-moving newcomers, the expo offers a chance to see the entire HR tech ecosystem in one place. And in this era of rapid growth and change, that matters to HR leaders and their teams.

This year, we’ve added or expanded some exciting new features:

• AI Playground: A hands-on area in the Expo Hall where attendees can experience the latest AI innovations firsthand, not just hear about them. It’s designed to let you test, compare and ask questions about how these technologies can work in your organization.
• People & Culture Theater: A new stage right in the expo, featuring sessions that dig into the intersection of technology and the human side of work. These discussions bring HR leaders, technologists and practitioners together to focus on culture, wellbeing and the future of people-first strategies.
• Think Tanks: A peer-to-peer experience designed to foster collaboration and idea-sharing among senior HR leaders. Our Think Tanks offer focused discussions on key challenges, innovative strategies and actionable solutions tailored to today’s HR landscape. These are a great chance to engage in open dialogue with fellow peers.

Whether you’re shopping for a new solution, comparing vendors or just looking to get inspired by innovation, the expo is an experience that you simply can’t replicate anywhere else.

Connecting HR tech to business outcomes

While the expo is the heartbeat of HR Tech, the conference program is where attendees can connect the dots between technology and strategy. I’m excited about this year’s lineup of keynotes and sessions, which we’ve curated to help leaders bridge the gap between HR technology investments and measurable business outcomes.

A few highlights:

• Opening keynote with Nickle LaMoreaux, CHRO of IBM: LaMoreaux will share how one of the world’s most innovative companies is harnessing AI in HR, offering a firsthand look at how technology is driving both workforce and business transformation.
• Disruption keynote with James Patterson and Patrick Leddin: This session focuses on leading through disruption and uncertainty—skills that HR and business leaders alike need to master in today’s environment.
• Closing keynote with Josh Bersin: The industry’s longtime analyst also will discuss disruption, specifically how AI has transformed HR, the HR tech market and much more, including talent intelligence and the trailblazing AI vendors.
• Ask the Experts: A unique opportunity to sit down with some of the most respected analysts, thought leaders and practitioners in HR tech. You’ll be able to dive into pressing topics like AI ethics, skills-based organizations, recruiting, employee experience and more, in a direct and practical way.

Beyond the keynotes, the program is filled with deep-dive sessions on AI, skills, employee wellbeing, DE&I, payroll, benefits, recruiting and more. Our goal is to make sure every attendee leaves with practical insights and a clear sense of how HR technology can drive outcomes in their organization.

A personal invitation

I’ve had the privilege of serving as program chair of HR Tech for over 10 years, and each year I am humbled by the energy, innovation and community that this event brings together. What makes HR Tech special is not just the content or the technology on display—it’s the people. We have said for ages that HR Tech is the town hall for the entire industry, and it remains true to this day. It’s the chance to connect with peers, learn from experts and walk away with both new ideas and new relationships.

So, I’d like to personally invite you to join us this year in Las Vegas. Whether you are a CHRO navigating a new AI strategy, a practitioner trying to improve day-to-day processes or a business leader looking to connect people strategy to business goals, HR Tech has something for you.

P.S.: And yes, it’s Las Vegas …

Of course, no preview of the HR Tech conference would be complete without mentioning the location. After a few days of learning, exploring and networking, it’s always nice to enjoy a little fun. Whether it’s catching a show, sharing a great meal with colleagues or just taking in the lights of the Strip, Las Vegas offers plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge. My personal recommendation? The Neon Museum for a look at some of the history of Las Vegas and some great Instagram-worthy photo opps!

So, come for the innovation, the insights and the connections and stay for a couple of memorable days in one of the most exciting cities in the world.

I look forward to seeing you there!